Former Rebels (FRs) and Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) explored their artistic potential and learned valuable livelihood skills during a hands-on Mug Art Clay Handcraft Training organized by the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO).
The activity was part of the province’s ongoing reintegration and rehabilitation efforts, aimed at equipping program beneficiaries with practical skills that can help them rebuild their lives and successfully transition back into their communities.
Sonia Bautista, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, said that through guided instruction and interactive workshops, participants learned the basics of clay molding, mug design, and decorative finishing techniques.
“The training offered more than just technical knowledge. It also served as a therapeutic and confidence-building activity, encouraging creativity, patience, and self-expression,” Bautista said in an interview.
Participants had the opportunity to design and craft their own personalized mugs, transforming simple clay into functional works of art.
Facilitators highlighted the importance of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality control skills essential for small-scale enterprise development.
“The initiative was designed to promote personal growth while fostering productive engagement during the beneficiaries’ in-house stay. By learning a marketable craft, they gain an additional option for income after completing their program and reintegrating into society,” Bautista stressed.
The program aligns with the directive of Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., who has consistently emphasized the importance of holistic rehabilitation. Under his instructions, beneficiaries undergoing in-house interventions must be equipped with essential skills they can use for sustainable livelihoods after finishing their programs.
Governor Tamayo, meanwhile, reaffirmed his commitment to transformation through empowerment.
“True change begins when we equip our people with the skills and confidence to build a better future. This training is not just about crafting mugs—it is about shaping new beginnings and restoring hope,” he stated.
Provincial officials underscored that empowering individuals through skills training is a key part of long-term peace-building efforts. By providing learning and self-improvement opportunities, the local government aims to restore dignity, promote self-reliance, and reduce the risk of recidivism.
Participants expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that the training not only taught them a new craft but also gave them a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
For many, shaping clay symbolized their journey of transformation—molding a new future through patience, determination, and community support.
The Mug Art Clay Handcraft Training is one of several capacity-building activities planned by the provincial government to ensure that former rebels and violent extremists have meaningful opportunities to start anew, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and lasting peace.
